Analyzing Arsenal's Attacking Woes and Arteta's Potential Solutions

Welcome to The Radar, a Sky Sports column that combines data and opinion to explore key stories in the Premier League. This week, the focus is on Arsenal's struggles in attack and how manager Mikel Arteta can address the issue. Despite having a six-point lead at the top of the Premier League, Arsenal's performance against Sporting in the Champions League quarter-final second leg highlighted the need for improvement in their attack. Arteta's approach has been scrutinized, with questions about his perceived aversion to risk and the team's reliance on set-pieces. Injuries have also limited Arteta's options, with players like Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard ruled out or doubtful for the upcoming game against Manchester City. The front three of Noni Madueke, Gabriel Martinelli, and Viktor Gyokeres has not been effective, and Arsenal have only won two of the last six games they have started together. The trio's inability to retain possession has been a significant problem, with Gyokeres losing the ball 246 times in the Premier League this season. In contrast, Manchester City do not have a single player with a possession loss rate over 30%. The introduction of substitutes like Kai Havertz, Leandro Trossard, and Gabriel Jesus improved Arsenal's control and technical quality in the game against Sporting. Arteta may be forced to make changes to his team selection, with Havertz potentially providing the outlet Arsenal lacked. Havertz has been effective as a focal point, winning aerial duels and completing passes. His deployment up front could help give Arsenal's attack the balance it has lacked. Meanwhile, other teams like Sunderland and Everton are preparing for their upcoming games, with players like Granit Xhaka and Tyrique George looking to make an impact. The Premier League schedule is packed, with several key matches taking place over the weekend, including Manchester City vs. Arsenal and Liverpool vs. Everton.